Girls Around Me monitors check-in data from social networking services to provide the users with the woman-to-men ratio in the immediate vicinity, and even displays Facebook profile pictures.

The app's creators describe it as "a perfect complement to any pick-up strategy" and encourage users to "turn up at the venue armed with flowers and a winning smile to sweep that special girl off her feet".

Foursquare took measures to block the service when it discovered how its data was being used. Facebook claims to have had no knowledge of the app's existence.

In a statement issued to the Wall Street Journal, I-Free defended the application and claimed that its purpose has been misinterpreted.

"It is impossible to search for a particular person in this app, or track his/her location. The app just allows the user to browse the venues nearby, as if you passed by and looked in the window," said a company spokesperson.

However, a report over on Cult of Mac claims that it was possible to access personal data through Facebook and Foursquare profiles, including name, birthday, marital status and photos.

I-Free pledged to redesign the app so that it is not in violation of social networks' privacy agreements.